1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1984 Opel Rekord
To start off, 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1984 Opel Rekord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1984 Opel Rekord would be higher. At 1,796 cc (4 cylinders), 1984 Opel Rekord is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 89 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1984 Opel Rekord weights approximately 150 kg more than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1984 Opel Rekord (143 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 14 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 1984 Opel Rekord will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1984 Opel Rekord | |
| Make | Mazda | Opel |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | Rekord |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1984 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1796 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 89 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 129 Nm | 143 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3200 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78.1 mm | 84.9 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.6 mm | 79.5 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 965 kg | 1115 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3960 mm | 4630 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1680 mm | 1740 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2680 mm |
